Smallholder farmers collaborate with SAM team.

In Simiyu, a region renowned for its cotton cultivation in Tanzania, Robert James Farmer, a smallholder farmer from Mwamjulila Village, faced a disheartening challenge. He was rightfully granted a knapsack to spray cotton pests, only to have it unfairly taken from him by the leader of his village's AMCOS (Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Society).

Ordinarily, the Tanzania Cotton Board provides farmers with essential farming inputs like seeds, pesticides, and knapsacks at no cost, particularly to those who adhere to recommended agricultural practices under the guidance of local agricultural experts.

Upon learning that the knapsack had arrived in his village through AMCOS, Robert eagerly approached the AMCOS Secretary to express his interest in receiving it, as he had diligently followed all the prescribed agricultural procedures. He was assured that his request would be considered during the distribution process.

On the day of distribution, Robert was handed the knapsack with the condition that he sign a receipt acknowledging its allocation to him, creating the impression that it was indeed his. However, when he questioned the validity of this temporary arrangement, he was abruptly told that the knapsack was not intended for him and was instructed to leave.

Four days later, the AMCOS leader approached Robert, requesting to borrow the knapsack for a short period. Robert, initially hesitant, reluctantly agreed. Days turned into weeks, and Robert's attempts to retrieve his rightful possession were met with excuses and delays.

Discouraged but determined, Robert sought advice from his fellow farmers, who encouraged him to seek assistance from his village member of the Social accountability monitoring committee (SAM). This committee was established and trained by FODEO through the Boresha Kilimo project funded the The Foundation for Civil Society to empower farmers and safeguard their rights.

With renewed hope, Robert reached out to his nearest SAM representative. He recounted his ordeal, detailing how the AMCOS leader had confiscated his knapsack despite his repeated attempts to reclaim it.

The SAM representative, recognizing the gravity of the situation, immediately contacted the AMCOS leader, seeking clarification and justification for the unauthorized seizure of the knapsack, which was a direct violation of the Tanzania Cotton Board's guidelines.

Confronting the prospect of escalating the issue to higher authorities, the AMCOS leader, realizing the seriousness of his actions, promptly returned the knapsack to Robert under the cover of darkness to avoid any further scrutiny.

Robert's story exemplifies the transformative power of the Boresha Kilimo project and the crucial role of SAM representatives in ensuring that project resources reach the intended beneficiaries. It serves as a testament to the project's commitment to empowering farmers, not only by providing them with essential tools but also by establishing a system where their voices are heard and their rights are protected.

Robert's knapsack may have been just a single tool, but its return symbolized something far more significant – the restoration of Robert's dignity, a reaffirmation of his rights, and a beacon of hope for a brighter future for all farmers under the Boresha Kilimo project.